North Korea’s reusable short-range ballistic missiles are seen in archival footage shown at a news station at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024: Lee Jin-man/AP/Profimedia
North Korea continues its show of force: on Tuesday morning, the South Korean military spotted the launch of several short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, another escalation step by Pyongyang. The launch follows North Korea’s recent test of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could theoretically reach the US mainland. France24, notes that the DPRK’s actions are of serious concern to South Korea, Japan and the United States.
According to the South Korean headquarters, the missiles flew approximately 400 kilometres. However, the exact number of missiles has not yet been specified. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said that the missiles landed in waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, causing no damage or casualties.
The launch took place shortly before the US presidential election, which experts consider to be a deliberate signal from Pyongyang aimed at attracting Washington’s attention. Some analysts see this as Kim Jong-un’s desire to test the new US administration’s readiness and resolve.
A few days ago, Kim Jong-un personally watched the test of the DPRK’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile, and in response, the United States sent a B-1B strategic bomber to military exercises with South Korea and Japan. The demonstration flight, which was intended to underline allied support and warn North Korea, was strongly condemned by the DPRK leader’s influential sister, Kim Yo-jong, who said that such military manoeuvres were “adventurous and aggressive”.
Experts and government officials in South Korea believe that North Korea may further escalate the situation in the coming days and continue military tests, including a possible nuclear test. According to South Korean military intelligence, Pyongyang may be ready for a seventh nuclear test, preparations for which were reportedly completed last week.
